We all enjoy stories of hope, success, overcoming the odds, and victory over our struggles. Most of us do not see ourselves in those stories, however. They are usually other people’s stories- at least in our minds they are. We rarely see our own life story as one of overarching hope, victory, and blessing.
But that doesn’t have to be the case- it mustn’t be the case– because God’s wisdom gives us everything WE need to accomplish those goals and experience transformation. Wisdom guides us in our relationships, in management of finances, our parenting, taking control of harmful habits and destructive thought patterns, and much much more!
But most of us don’t know where to begin. Most people do not know the foundational elements to a life of wisdom and sadly, they miss the countless rewards that come from it!
Here are Four Foundational Elements for a Life of Wisdom
1) Revere the Lord –
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge the Holy One is understanding.” Prov 9:10
The first and most important of all foundational elements is in the existence of a holy, righteous, and sovereign God who has established wisdom from the beginning, even before the world began (Prov 8:22-23). As we recognize and respect this all-powerful Lord over everything we REVERE Him as our greatest authority, our source of life and wisdom. We can know Him intimately through His Son Jesus Christ “in whom are hidden all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge.” Col 2:3
To know and revere (recognize, respect, and honor) the Lord, is the first and most important foundational element in living a life of wisdom.
2) Reach for wisdom
“…if you look for it (wisdom) as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Prov 2:4-5
Wisdom can certainly be found, but we must value it as worth the search, worth the effort, and priceless beyond all worldly treasures because it is God–given knowledge and understanding. It is something we cannot quantify and its full value, never completely appreciate. But if we actively reach out for the wisdom He offers, we will find it!
3) Respond to Wisdom
“Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.” Prov 4:8
Esteeming wisdom looks like this: we value and learn from correction and rebukes (of authority or a trustworthy source,) gain understanding through our mistakes and missteps, exert caution in conversations with others and avoid losing control in moments of anger and frustration… just to name a few examples.
When we value wisdom, we are teachable and respond to the lessons, guidance, and warnings wisdom gives us in Scripture, through our relationships and experiences, and by the Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart of believers.
4) Reap the Rewards
“If you are wise, wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” Prov 9:12
I cannot share here all the rewards wisdom brings to our lives! It goes beyond the temporal and material, although they may be a portion of them. The rewards of wisdom are priceless, inestimable gifts like: peace, safety, healthy relationships, longevity, guidance, victory, honor, prosperity, integrity, discernment, and the like… Proverbs details all of the blessings and benefits of wisdom to those who will simply listen and obey!
If we are wise, wisdom has countless, priceless rewards for us!
Of course we can choose to ignore wisdom. We can go our own way. We can be led by what we think we know and understand or wish would happen. That usually works out for no one. At least no one I know.
Or we can lay the proper foundation of wisdom for our lives and experience its rewards by:
Revering the Lord,
Reaching and searching for the Wisdom He offers,
Responding appropriately to the Wisdom He provides, and
Reaping the Rewards!
How about YOU? Which area(s) do you hope to reap rewards of wisdom? In your marriage and personal relationships, finances, future career paths? I would LOVE to hear from you! Please comment on this post and share with your friends- chances are, they want it too, so why not do this together!
Let’s get started:
Community: We are designed for community -actively participate in your church and faith building community and join us here at Crowning Wisdom.com (look for red subscribe button to the right of this post) to receive posts, articles, practical guides, and discussions as we walk this journey in wisdom together. “Walk with the wise and you will grow wise” Prov 13:20a
Resources: Scripture is best for finding God’s words of wisdom for our lives, but sometimes we need help finding exactly what we need. Crowning Wisdom, the book, is a quick reference guide to finding the most familiar and high-impact passages in the Proverbs so that you can easily access Biblical Wisdom when you need it!
